My Thoughts On Nature

     Nature is my favorite place to be. This may be due to me being an earth element. When I hear the word NATURE, the first thing that comes to my mind if freedom. I believe that is because when you I am out in nature I feel free from things that usually clouds my mind and thoughts. These are things like technology (cellphones, computers, TV, video games, etc.) which I like but I don't like at the same time. I see people everyday using these things and they have come dependent on them to the point that they don't want to leave own homes. I see people freak out when they don't have enough service to send a text message or act like the world is coming to an end if they don't internet. I mean I know technology is the future but I myself really isn't a big fan of it. I have caught myself at times doing these things as well.
     Just the other night I freaked out because my cellphone stopped charging in the middle of the night and my phone kept restarting itself and I got so angry that I caused myself to get a headache and couldn't go back to sleep. I had to wake up early for work and only got 3 hours of sleep the whole night. After spending some time out side in my front yard the next day after work I realized that I rather spend my time out in nature meditating, walking, gardening, or just sitting down watching the trees, animals, and plants. I feel that nature is the one thing that people are pushing away when it comes to technology. For example when I was growing up as a child there wasn't all this new aged gadgets around. Nature was my playground. Being outside with my friends and family running around playing in yard or helping my grandmother with her rose garden. Most of my childhood was spent outside in nature and that was one of the most safest places for me. I felt like nature was my babysitter and nothing could hurt me when I was out there. Now as an  adult I realize why I felt that way and that is because of my knowledge of me being an earth element. I have always felt connected with nature since I was a child but I never knew why and had just found out about elements a few years ago. Once I learned about the elements and which one I was it all made sense. I titled this post "My Thoughts On Nature" because I think nature is the best place to be at anytime of the day. I love it and think every body should try to enjoy it every now and then. Just go sit out in your front yard sometime and just stare at the sky or trees and just release your worries into the earth and I promise you that you will feel great afterwards.
     I have been trying  new things out in nature lately that I hope will bring me closer to it and mother earth. I have been talking to the plants, trees, and animals. I will go to my garden and talk to my herbs and vegetables hoping they will hear me and talk back to me. I believe every living thing has a voice and secrets and I know that nature wants to speak with us if we just listen. Just the other day I spoke with the poplar tree in my front yard. I told it that I loved it's leaves and I enjoy it's shade on really hot days. As I spoke to it the leaves started to move and the craziest thing is that is was 94 degrees that day and no wind blowing at all. I feel like that the tree was speaking back to me. Call me crazy if you want but I could feel it and the feeling was amazing. Some of the things that I love to do out in nature is garden, stargaze, and meditate. If you have never mediated outside you should try it. The energy the earth and nature gives you feels almost otherworldly and you will actually have one of the best meditations you have ever had in your life. It's also very calm and relaxing. For me being in nature is worry free and good times. If I am angry or upset I got outside and I immediately start to feel better and my mood changes to a good mood  and I get good energy. Nature has always been my safe haven and always will be. These are just my thoughts on one of Gods most beautiful and wonderful creates. It's my favorite place to be. I love it. To whoever reads this post if you really have never enjoyed nature please give it a try. Go on a hike, walk a trail, stargaze, have a picnic, go to a park or just sit outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery with some friends. Just put your worries and your technology aside and enjoy the peace and quit that nature has to offer.

Card Of The Day-Earth Magic Oracle

Forest-Breath

As we make our across the meadow to the thicker parts of the forest, there's a subtle shift in the sensations in the body, one that might initially be perceptible but soon becomes undeniable. It's nearly impossible not to take deeper breaths. The richness of the forest's oxygen, given freely and generously from the trees (the Standing Ones) to us, is a natural exchange for the carbon dioxide we release every time we exhale. Further, the animals of the forest participate in this exchange as well in what is one of the most miraculous and remarkable collaborations between plants and animals that serve to help each other live and strive. The ratio of this oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange has been in balance for millennia but has been changing quite dramatically in the last several years as carbon dioxide levels have been rising. Yet there are many parts of the world where we can still enjoy the refreshing and revitalizing effects of an afternoon enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a walk in the forest. Through prayer and action, we can express our gratitude to these tree beings for the many gifts they provide, not the least of which is contributing to the very air we breathe. Things are different after a walk in the forest. 

Your breathing is too shallow. Although it may feel natural, it is an unhealthy habit that causes this shortness of breath. When you subconsciously shorten your breath, no matter if this is habitual or triggered by some event or circumstance, it activates certain physiological signals that prepare your system for "fight or flight." Another conditioned response to perceived danger is to hold your breath. This is your survival response, although it does not serve you to do so. So...breathe! Inhale deeply, regardless of your concerns, worries, or problems; then let it go. Next, allow yourself to breathe a little deeper and slower a few times. Remember that every breath you inhale is a gift, and every breath you exhale is a gift. The forest is a clear reminder of how this works.